Pages

Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship

Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship

This blog will be written from an orthodox Christian point of view. There may be some topic that is out of bounds, but at present I don't know what it will be. Politics is a part of life. Theology and philosophy are disciplines that we all participate in even if we don't think so. The Bible has a lot to say about economics. How about self defense? Is war ethical? Think of all the things that someone tells you we should not touch and let's give it a try. Everything that is a part of life should be an expression of worship.

Keep it courteous and be kind to those less blessed than you, but by all means don't worry about agreeing. We learn more when we get backed into a corner.

Monday, October 9, 2017

Opus 2017-344: Monday Pulpit: Dogma and the First Amendment

I have strong opinions about a lot of things.  I know, surprise.  At the same time I am sometimes quite comfortable with other people having strong opinions that differ from mine.  Some areas don’t make a whole lot of difference.  You can serve menudo at your restaurant and as long as you keep it far away from me I might come back.  You can wear garish combinations of colors and I will be glad to treat you like a human being with some worth.  You can refuse to have a gun in your home and drive a hybrid.  We can get along.  That is what the First Amendment and Freedom of Speech is all about, the things we disagree on.

Other things are open to debate but demand a strong response.  You are wrong if you abort your baby.  You a stealing if you take handouts when you don’t need them.  You are going to hell by any path but Jesus.

I am also in favor of expressing opinions.  I will express mine.  I would be a better person if you would express yours.  How do you expect me to be enlightened if you don’t care enough about me to lead me to the truth?  Of course that goes both ways.  What got me going down this dangerous path was a statement by the pastor in a church I attended a few weeks ago.  This is a paraphrase but close enough for reference.
“When it comes to doctrine we are not only allowed to make a strong statement, we are required to do so.  It is not judgmental.”
It was a Presbyterian Church and the pastor was wearing a robe so I did not shout, “Amen”.  There were even people there who had on coats and ties so I did not run the aisles waving my hanky. 

The church was also loaded with Calvinists so I had to be careful.  There were times in history when being an Arminian around a bunch of Calvinists could get you burned at the stake.  I was worshiping with a bunch of people that I had deep disagreements with.  I can do that.  There are a few issues that bring my blood to a boil but I can live with that because they have the basics down.  We agree to disagree, or at least I do. 

So preach it, brother.  It may have to do with the TULIP system.  If you don’t know what that is then you are not a graduate of a Calvinist seminary.  It may have to do with tax rates.  It could be that you hate Trump.  Say it loud and clear.

I may need to straighten you out, unless you are a Calvinist.  Calvinists are hopeless.  Brothers in Christ, but hopeless.

homo unius libri

2 comments:

  1. What has always amused me about Calvinists is that they think God will save you completely against your will and that you have absolutely no choice in the matter. HOWEVER, once you're saved, you can lose it in a whipstitch. I think that's a pretty stupid system, and since God ain't stupid, I suspect there's something they don't quite grasp. Of course, I COULD be wrong, but we know how unlikely THAT is! - lol

    ReplyDelete
  2. I agree with the first part of our assessment. That is the I in TULIP, Irresistible Grace. In spite of the fact that you are always right I would disagree with your understanding of the second part, the P for Perseverance of the Saints, means that no matter what you do you can't lose your salvation.

    I would also agree that God ain't stupid.

    Grace and peace

    ReplyDelete

Comments are welcome. Feel free to agree or disagree but keep it clean, courteous and short. I heard some shorthand on a podcast: TLDR, Too long, didn't read.